Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared on Wednesday that Armenia plans to pull out of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a security alliance dominated by Russia and comprising several ex-Soviet nations. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions between Armenia and Russia, its longtime sponsor and ally.
Pashinyan stated during a parliamentary session that Armenia will leave the CSTO, emphasizing that the government will determine the timing of the withdrawal. This move follows Armenia's earlier suspension of participation in the alliance, cancellation of joint military exercises, and avoidance of CSTO summits.
The strained relationship between Armenia and Russia intensified after Azerbaijan's military campaign in September, which resulted in the loss of the Karabakh region to Azerbaijan, ending decades of ethnic Armenian separatist rule. Armenian authorities accused Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh of failing to prevent Azerbaijan's offensive, a claim Moscow refuted.
Pashinyan criticized the CSTO for its perceived failure to protect Armenia, alleging that some members colluded with Azerbaijan. The Kremlin, seeking to balance relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressed displeasure with Pashinyan's efforts to strengthen ties with the West and distance Armenia from Moscow-dominated alliances.
Amidst growing discontent in Armenia, Pashinyan faced large protests demanding his resignation over the government's decision to cede four border villages to Azerbaijan in pursuit of a peace agreement. Violent clashes erupted during protests outside the parliament building, resulting in injuries to over 100 individuals, including police officers and journalists.
As Pashinyan navigates internal dissent and external pressures, the future of Armenia's geopolitical alliances remains uncertain, with implications for regional security dynamics.
